1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (177 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 360 kg more than 2012 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
